HEELS ON WHEELS: 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT REVIEW

HEELS ON WHEELS
By Katrina Ramser
San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel

INTRO TO THE ELANTRA VEHICLE
Refreshed for 2016, Hyundai’s sporty Elantra is a distinct choice in
the hatchback segment for its styling and customer-focused technology. Also
available as a compact sedan, coupe and hatchback, drivers can pair
performance with a low price.

This hatchback replaces the Elantra Touring wagon and is designed to
deliver more nimble handling than the sedan and coupe version. Main
competitors with admirable guts and a savvy interior include the Ford Focus
and the Mazda family. For added charm, check out the MINI Cooper and
Volkswagen Golf.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: The Elantra hatchback comes
with lots of nice extras other carmakers usually bill you for, like a rear
spoiler, heated seats and a smartphone connectivity system. The grille has
been revised for the model year and optional ventilated seats are new.
All-new connectivity features include Remote Start with Climate Control and
Destination Search Powered by Google. Hyundai has done some reshuffling
over the years of packages, with my test drive featuring the $1,975 Style
Package (seventeen-inch wheels, fog lights, sport-tuned suspension) and the
$3,950 Tech Package (panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, seven-inch
navigation touchscreen, rearview camera, push-button start). The sedan
version is offered in four trim levels – the base SE, Value Edition,
Sport and Limited.

Cost Issues: The total cost of my Elantra with both packages
came to a reasonable $26,675 with delivery charges. The larger Mazda6 sedan
with SKACTIV-G 184-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine starts at
$21,495 with a recent Grand Touring test drive at $30,195.

Activity & Performance Ability: I’ve cited the Elantra
GT for having lackluster handling and acceleration and generally being too
tame to call sporty or aggressive. Hyundai has revised the power steering
for a better road feel, and it does overall ride like a larger vehicle. Yet
put up against Mazda’s SKACTIV-G technology, it tends to drive less
spirited.

The Green Concern: The 2-liter four-cylinder engine has a fuel economy
of 24 miles-per-gallon city and 33 highway for a combined 27. Again you
have another strong pro for going with the Mazda6: the 184-horsepower
2.5-liter four-cylinder delivers a fuel economy of 26-city and 38-highway
for a combined 30 miles-per-gallon. Combined with Mazda’s i-stop
idling stop system and i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration system, you can
reach 32 miles-per-gallon.

FINAL PARTING WORDSThe revised 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT is a value-oriented hatchback
with some aggressive traits, but can lose its appeal when pitted next to
the Mazda family. Nevertheless, you’ll love the price and be able to
afford the packaging upgrades.

The following titles and media identifications are trademarks
owned by The Auto Channel, LLC and have been in continuous use
since 1987: The Auto Channel, Auto Channel and TACH all have
been in continuous use world wide since 1987, in Print, TV,
Radio, Home Video, Newsletters, On-line, and other interactive
media; all rights are reserved and infringement will be acted
upon with force.